Gasket



G. T. BALI-'E 2,170,363

GASKET Aug. 22,' 1939.

Filed March 4, 1935 Patented Aug. 22,1939

George T. Balie,

troit Gasket &

Detroit, Mich., assigner to De- Mfg. Co., Detroit,v Mich., a

corporation of Michigan Application March 4, 1935, Serial No.' 9,311

1 Claim.

This invention relates to packings and particularly gaskets for use in automotive practice.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a flexible and resilient packing which will have marked resistant properties (1) to blowing (2) to the action of heat and cold, i. e.,temperature variations, (3) high pressures, and (4) which will not be effected by chemical action or moisture.

The invention comprises a plurality of metal facings between which is interposed a layer of suitable cushion material. Embedded in the cushion material and extending throughout the thickness thereof, i. e., substantially fromA one facingto the other and substantially throughout the area of the gasket are a plurality of metal barriers. These barriers are inv closely spaced relation and are preferably struck from the metal forming one of the facings so that the cushion layer is additionally anchored thereto. In this manner a substantially blow-proof gasket is produced since the cushion material substantially throughout its area is sustained by the barriers or projections, but shoulda break or blow occur at any point, widening or continuation of the breach will be effectively resisted and further tearing of the gasket prevented. This high resistance is made all the more positive by rendering the cushion layer, temperature and moisture resistant, and anchoring it to the facling by means of the barriers.

The seal is thoroughly effective, for example, as a cylinder head gasket, as a carburetor gasket and, in fact, for all automotive purposes and such other applications Where a. gasket capable of resisting the `most strenuous conditions is required.

The invention-further comprehends amethod of manufacture whereby laminated packing ma- 40 terial and gaskets are cheaply and efciently' made; since gaskets are produced in tremendous quantity, the advantages of the method of the present invention, whereby a saving in cost is obtained, will be understood.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top elevation partly broken away.

Figure 2 is a top elevation of a modification.

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on.

the line 2-2 of Figure l. Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a modification taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional View taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 2,

view taken (ci. zas- 26) Figure Figure 8 is another sectional view cation.

Figure 9 is another sectional View cation.

7 is a sectional view of a modification.

of a modiof a .modi- Figure l0 is another sectional view of a modification, and

Figure 11 is a detail view partly broken away of one of the grornets employed in my invention. l Referring to Figure l, I have illustrated by way of example a cylinder head gasket as a Whole at Il) having the usual port openings Il and water and bolt openings l 2. any desired shape, size or The gasket may have thickness for the particular joint surfaces between which it is to be interposed and form a seal.

Referring to Figure-3, the gasket comprises two coextensive metal facing layers I3 preferably of thin resilient and flexible steel. Between these layers is interposed a coextensive layer of cushion material I4 preferably of asbestos treated to be temperature, moisture and chemical resistant, i.e., resistant to the very arduous conditions prevailing about an internal combustion engine, suchV my Patent as the action of high temperatures, water and gases. lIhe asbestos is treated in accordance with 1,788,041 and my pending United States application Serial No. 648,691, led December 22, 1932, now Patent No. 2,055,471,

issued substances and and pressure and the action of which will withstand the heat gases and moisture characteristic of the conditions surrounding the use of a gasket, maybe employed. It is important that the amount in the nal sheet material of waterproof adhesive be regulated. While not necessary, in some cases, the facing layers on the inner and/or exposed with a non-sticking layer,

surfaces are provided for example. of some powdered material such as graphite, over which is silicate of soda all as set Serial No. 648,691. sticking layer and a be applied to one or applied a non-sticking binding layer such as forth in my application This use of a powdered nonbnding skin may likewise both surfaces of the layer of waterproofed cushion material I4, as well as to the metal facing layers or to both, as desired.

' Preferably one of the facing` layers I5 (or both sired points upwardly as shown in Figure 10) is provided throughout its area with a multiplicity of up-struck projections I6 as in my United States Patent 1,776,140, or as shown in my United States Patent 1,927,450. These projections are struck-up on one side only of the metal facing layer I and are embedde in the cushion layer Il by pressure. Preferabl the projections extend through the cushion layer to the surface thereof and have their ends bent over or clinched to lie Within the plane of the cushion material layer so as to form a smooth unobstructed surface. On the other hand, in some cases, the ends of the projections will terminatev short of the exposed surface of the 'cushion material layer as shown in Figure 9.

It will be observed then upon reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, that the projections I6, which are formed in closely spaced relation substantially throughout the area of the gasket, provide metal barriers extending I substantially across the thickness of the gasket, i. e., the cushion layer, from one facing to the other. In this manner, a continuous series of barriers are produced which are substantially completely resistant to the effects of heat and pressure such as sometimes blow the ordinary copper asbestos gasket. What is more important, should-a break or blow occur, its extension or continuation is effectively stopped by the action of the multitude of closely spaced barriers I8 about the break which, in combination with the treated asbestos,

. effectively prevent any widening of the breach.

In the manufacture of the gasket a unit Il-Ii is preferably formed comprising a metal layer I5 having the projections I6 struck-up on one side thereof and the cushion layer Il is thenunited to that side bypressure. preferably bringing the projections to the surface of the cushion material and clinching over the ends thereof to lie within the plane of the surface of the cushion material so that a smooth surface is formed. This unit is superposed upon the coextensive metal facing layer I8 and joined thereto by integral gromets as shown' in Figure 3 or separate gromets as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 11, or by metal stitching or an adhesive.

In Figure 3, the facing layers and cushion material are united by means of asubstantially cir-l cular gromet I1 formed integral with the facing layer I8 by drawing the metal thereof at the de- I8 thereof upon the exposed surface of the opposed facing, I5. Thus. in forming the gasket, as many integral gromets I1, as desired, are drawn from the metal facing corresponding to the gasket openings and with the edge portions I8 extending vertically as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3. Thereupon, the preformed unit I4- I5 provided with gasket openings is superposed upon the facing I8 with the gromet or gromets extending through the corresponding openings in the unit I4-I5. Then, by means of pressure the edge or ange I8 of the gromet I1 is turned over and compressed as shown in Figure 3, for example, and also as shown in Figure 1. In this manner, the respective layers are broughl into registered relation-and into a final gasket unit and, moreover, the gromet I1 forms a reinforcement and seal for the internal exposed edges of the gasket openings. Again, the edge p( 'tion or flange I8 which is compressed down upon the facing I5 provide-:sin

'litionallyincrease its resistance to blowing.

and bending over the edge clamped together l y.

In the drawing, the compressed edge portion I8 is shown as extending above the plane of the metal facing I5. 'I'his is somewhat exaggerated, since the compression densies and compresses the cushion material Il and the adjacent, i. e., underlying, edge portions I8 of the facing are indented, so that the edge I8 f the gromet will lie substantially flush with the remainder of the surface of the facing to form a smooth continuous surface. This is not in some cases entirely essential, but is desirable.

Referring to Figure 3, it will be observed that' the striking-up of the barriers I6 results in a number of perforations I 6 being formed in the facing I5. When the cushion material is compressed upon the facing I5, it substantially completely fills the openings or perforations I 6' so that a substantially smooth continuous surface is presented and such openings are effectively sealed. When the gasket is compressed lby the joint surfaces, the cushion material is further compressed into the openings I 6 and densifled therein, so that the gasket is thoroughly leakproof. 'Ihis presence of the cushion material at the surface of the gasket also adds to the flexibility and compressibility of the gasket.

Referring to Figure 9, I have illustrated a gasket wherein the barriers I6 are only partially embedded in the cushion layer Il, that is, do not extend initially to the opposite surface of the cushion layer as in the other gaskets. When the gasket of Figure 9 is applied to the joint surfaces and compressed therebetween, the compression will serve to further embed the barriers or projections in the cushion material, so that they the thickness of the gasket from one facing to the other as illustrated in Figure 3. It will be understood, therefore, that the gaskets of Figures 1 to 10 will be initially constructed (l) as shown, for example, in Figure 3, or (2) initially constructed as shown in Figure 9.

Referring to Figure 4, gromets I1 integral with one of the facing layers, preferably the facing layer which is unperforated or plane, are employed as in Figure 3 and/or the outer peripheral edge 20 of the facing layer is turned up and bent over to form an overlapping integral 'edge portion or ange 2| similar to the overlapping edge I8-about the periphery of the gasket. This construction is illustrated in Figure 2 and provides for binding and sealing the exposed outer edge of the gasket as well as an additional clamping means for holding the layers of the gasket together. In some cases, only the internal gromets I1 are employed, while in other cases, the turned over edge or flange 28 of the metal facing alone is used. Also, if desired, the gaskets will have both the internalgromets I1, I8 and the external turned-over portions 20, 2l. 'I'he turned-over edge portion 2| is compressed in the same manner as the edge portion I8 previously described and forms a` substantially smooth gasket surface.

In Figures 5 and 6, instead of having the gromets I1, I8 and/or 20, 2Iintegral with one of the metal facings, i. e., drawn therefrom by a suitable metal forming or drawing process in ac cordance with certain openings desired` in the gasket, separate gromet members I1', I8', as shown in Figure 11 are employed. 'Ihese gromets are circular or barrel shaped, having a central opening defined by the body portion I1 and ange 'portions I 8', one of the latter extending vertically as with the gromets I1, I8, and bendable and compresslble in the same manner as the edge portion I8. Gromet members I1' are use d to seal the exposed internal edges of the gasket openings and the integral overlapped portions I8 are compressed upon opposite sides of the metal facings in the-manner heretofore described. Likewise, .gromets 20 similar to that shown in Figure 2, are employed to seal the outer exposed edge of the gasket and provided with overlapped portions 2 I compressed upon the facing layers in the manner already alluded to in connection with the integral gromets 20-2I. As with the integral gromets, either the internal gromets I1' or the external gromets 2li or both are employed and serve tov seal the exposed edges of the gasket as well as to clamp the gasket layers together into a firm and integral struc` ture. A

Referring to Figure 7, I superpose upon the perforate layer I of the gasket shown in Figures 3 to 6 a plane or unperforate layer 22 substantially coextensive with the metal facing lay- 'ers and cushion gasket layer I4 or of slightly less area. Gromets I1, I8 or I1', I8', or gromets 20, 2| or 20', 2| or both are likewise utilized with this construction. The provision of aseparate plane coextensive' layer 22 is useful in some cases, but is not essential to the success of the gasket. Also, in some cases, the layer 22 is adhered to the facing I5 or otherwise united prior to applicationof the gromets.

In Figure 8, I have shown a construction similarvto Figure 3, wherein the projections I6 are substantially in accordance with my United States Patent 1,927,450, the projections extending through the gasket material and having the ends clinched over to lie within the plane of the surface thereof. A facing barrier layer of this type is used in all of the gaskets illustrated as desired. s

As will be appreciated upon referring to Figures 3 to 8 and Figure 9, a gasket is provided having metal facings between which is interposed a layer of cushion material. 'I'his cushionmaterial is rendered resistant to the' action 'of moisture, gases and temperature extremes and, moreover, issupported and sustained by the barrier members I6 which extend substantially acrossits thickness from one facing to the other. In the case of Figure 9, which construction may be embodied in any of the gaskets illustrated, as heretofore explained, when the gasket is compressed, the projections additionally penetrate the cushion layer so as to assume a position extending substantially across the gasket thickness as in Figures 3 to 8.

` The gasket shown in Figure is similar in all respects to those previously described, but in addition comprises two facing-barrier layers I4, I5, and the projections I6 are initially embedded either as shown in Figure 3 or in Figure9'.

formed in closely spaced relation substantially throughout the areajof the gasket.

It will be understood, of course, that the facing layers Il (I5) and the cushion layer I4 are coextensive and that the gasket may have any suitable size o r shape as desired. y

The gromets, whether integral or separate and whether used to seal the internal exposed edges or the external exposed peripheral edge, additionally reinforce the gasket against blowing, as well as clamp the parts into a rigid unitary structure.While I have illustrated the gromets as being substantially continuous about the openings, it will be understood that they may 'partially comprehend the edge portions of the openings and peripheral edge of the gasket.

The g-asket is flexible and resilient, but possesses the required rigidity for automotive purpo'ses and, in fact, for any of the innumerable applications where a seal of optimum resistance is required.

Method The preferred method of making thev gasket of Figures `3 to 9 comprises striking up a plurality of closely spaced projections I6 from metal sheet material I5 and superposing thereon a layer or sheet of cushion material I4 and compressing the two together to form a laminated unit. In this unit, the projections will 'extendv either to the surface and have their ends clenched over as shown in Figure 3 or be partially "embedded in the cushion material as shown in Figure 9. The laminated metal cushion layer or sheet is now punched from the unit I4-I 5 to the configuration, for example shown in Figure 1. A layer of metal yfacing material I3 is similarly punched to the configuration shown in Figure 1 from a sheet and either prior to the punching step or subsequent thereto or in fact, simultaneous therewith, the integral gromet portions I1, I8, or 20, 2l or both defining openings corresponding to those in the unit I4, I5 are formed from the facing layer I3. The unit I4, I5 is now superposed' upon the facing layer I3, the gromet portions I1 extendlng'vthrough the openings in the unit I4, I5, and thereafter the edge portions I8l of the gromets I1, the surface of the This same procedure will be followed in manufacturing the gasket shown in Figures 4, 7, 8 and 9.

In the case vof the metal layer 22 is first superposed upon the metal facing I5 and joined thereto if desired in any suitable manner, as by an adhesive, either before, simultaneous with or after the unit I4, I5 is superposed on the facing I3. The edge portion I8 of the gromet I1 or the edge portion 2I of the turned over portion 20 is then compressed down upon the layer previously described.

Where separate gromet members are employed as in Figures 5 and 6, the method previously described will be employed and the separate gromet members applied after the preformed layers have been built up as desired.

0n the other hand, laminated sheets comprising layers of the structure of Figures 3-l0, i. e., metal facing layers with interposed cushion material may be rst produced and thereafter punched to have the contour of the gasket 'of Figperforated metal facing layer the gasket shown in Figure?,

ure 1, for example, whereupon the separate preformed and thenA I8 are compressed down upon However, in the case of the gasket of Figur 3 and 4, for example, the preformed layers.

punched to form the gasket or the layers may be given a. preformed gasket shape and then united.

In some cases, it may be desired to initially unite the metal layer I3 to the cushion material for example in making laminated sheets which are to be subsequently punched, or in building up preformed layers to which separate gromets are applied. This may be accomplished by striking up a few projections in the metal facing I3 and embedding them in the cushion layer. or by uniting the cushion layer and facing I3 through the medium of a suitable adhesive. In the case of gasket of Figure 10, of course, no such uniting means need be employed. 'I'he cushion layer I4 is sometimes united to the facing layer I3 and thereafter the perforate facing barrier layer I5, I6 then applied, either where the layers are preformed or rst formed in sheets from which the gaskets are punched. It is usually not necessary to unite vthe facing I3 to the cushion layer Il where the' gromets are integral with the facing layer I3 as in Figure 3, for example.

I have referred herein to the preliminary step of forming a metal cushion material layer Il, I5.

namely, the facing layers I3 and cushion layer I4 may be compressed together simultaneously with the compressing of edge I3 of the gromet upon the surface of the facing I6.

'I'hat is to say, the layers will be superposed and the projections I6 embedded in the cushion layer simultaneously with the operation of compressing and turning over the edge of the gromet to join the layers together. 'Ihis procedure may likewise be resorted to in the case of the gaskets of Figures and 6 and the other gaskets illustrated.

Various modifications in the product and method of manufacture may be made, all of which are comprehended within the scope of the appended claim.

This application is a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 1,062, iiled January 9, 1935, now Patent No. 2,126,716, issued August 16, 1938.

I claim:

A gasket having an opening and consisting of a metal layer and a cushion layer, said metal layer forming one surface of the gasket and having a multiplicity of closely spaced openings and projections struck up from the metal layer at said openings, said projections embedded in the cushion layer and extending to the oppositesurface thereof and having their ends clenched over on said surface, a plane metal layer having an uninterrupted face and forming the opposite surface of the gasket, means connecting all of the layers together with the clenched-over ends of the projections engaging the inner surface of the plane layer whereby heat transfer through the gasket is facilitated. l

GEORGE T. BALFE. 

